January 2019
North America News
On October 13, 2018, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Direct Final Rule in Federal Register 83 FR 53371 regarding infant bath tubs. The rule amended 16 CFR 1234 to adopt the latest version of the ASTM F2670 standard.
In the updated version of ASTM F2670, the scope of the voluntary standard is expanded to include accessories used with an infant bath tub. Also, addressed in the new standard are new performance tests for accessories used with infant bath tubs, and a change in product labeling and instructions. For products manufactured on or after January 15, 2019, the relative product must be tested in accordance with ASTM F2670-18.
The rule became effective on January 15, 2019 unless significant adverse comments were received by November 23, 2018.
Requirements for a Certification of Conformance (COC) are introduced in the updated version of this standard. For protective footwear to be sold in the US, a test report complying with ASTM F2413-18 and a COC issued by an independent third-party laboratory are required.
ASTM F2413-18 provides specifications related to the minimum design, performance, testing, and classification of footwear to protect individuals from workplace hazards. According to the updated standard, performance requirements shall be arranged following ASTM Test Methods F2412 and ASTM Specification F2413.Additionally, a Certification of Conformance (COC) is expected to be issued by a third-party laboratory and should include the following information:
Name, contact information, and authorization signatures of the third-party laboratory
Name of the company
Manufacturer’s references (product category, style, model, SKU, etc)
Issue date of certification
Report number and issue date associated with the Certificate of Conformance (COC)
Statement that the manufacturer’s reference meets the performance requirements of ASTM Specification F2413-18 as tested in accordance with ASTM Test Methods F2412-18 and lists the safety hazards tested
On December 10, 2018, the Oregon Health Authority adopted the notice of proposal announcing the amendment of a List of Practical Quantification Limits (PQL) for listed HPCCCH.
According to the amendment, new PQLs are introduced for 5 recently added HPCCCH (See test) in Exhibit A of OAR 333-016-2035. Individual PQLs of mentioned HPCCCH are shown below.
| Chemical Name | CAS Number | Proposed PQL |
| Bisphenol S | 80-09-1 | 1.0 ppm |
| Triphenyl phosphate | 115-86-6 | 50 ppm |
| Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate | 13674-84-5 | 50 ppm |
| Short-chain chlorinated paraffins | 85535-84-8 | 50 ppm |
| 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate | 183658-27-7 | 50 ppm |
The amendment came into force on January 1, 2019.
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) announced a proposal to clarify supply chain responsibility to provide “clear and reasonable” warnings under Proposition 65. This will allow a manufacturer, producer, packager, importer, supplier, or distributor of consumer products to deliver the exposure warning of chemicals to their authorized retail sellers via a written notice.
Currently, Proposition 65 places the primary responsibility to provide consumer product warnings onto the manufacturers, producers, packagers, importers, suppliers, and distributors. This requirement was intended, in part, to reduce the burden on retailers. The proposed amendment clarifies that these intermediate businesses may satisfy their obligation to provide a warning by placing a warning directly on the product or through a written notice to an authorized agent, who may be another business along the supply chain that receives the product before a retailer. In addition, OEHHA has proposed a clarification of when a retailer has “actual knowledge” of consumer product exposure by stipulating that the information must be of “sufficient specificity for the retail seller to readily identify the product” that requires a warning.
The proposed amendments were under a comment period through December 31, 2018.
In 1986, California voters approved an initiative titled California Proposition 65 to address their growing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. Since its origin, there have been many lawsuits that have resulted in reformulations of consumer products containing carcinogenic and reproductively harmful chemicals on the Cal Prop 65 list. Prior to legal action, a 60-day Notice is served to provide an opportunity for public enforcers to decide whether they should pursue the action in lieu of private enforcement. It also provides the alleged violator an opportunity to consult with an attorney, respond to the alleged violation, and help prevent continuing penalties.
Recent 60-day notices from April to October of 2018 include the following:
| Chemical | Product / Source | Number of Notices |
| Acrylamide | Food | 63 |
| Supplements | 3 | |
| Acrylamide, Bisphenol A (BPA), Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Lead, Mercury | Food Contact Material | 34 |
| Acrylamide, Cadmium | Food | 3 |
| Acrylamide, Cadmium, Lead | Food | 2 |
| Acrylamide, Cadmium, Lead and lead compounds | Supplements | 2 |
| Acrylamide, Lead | Food | 6 |
| Acrylamide, Lead and lead compounds | Supplements | 1 |
| Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Arsenic (inorganic oxides) | Food | 1 |
| Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Arsenic (inorganic oxides), Azaserine, Lead and lead compounds | Food | 1 |
| Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Arsenic (inorganic oxides), Cadmium and cadmium compounds, Lead and lead compounds | Food | 1 |
| Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Arsenic (inorganic oxides), Lead and lead compounds | Food | 1 |
| Benzophenone | Body Lotion / Shaving Cream / Hair Gel / Sunscreen | 1 |
| Bisphenol A (BPA) | Food Contact Material | 1 |
| Thermal Paper | 2 | |
| Cadmium | Apparel / Jacket / Belts / Pillow / Apron | 1 |
| Food | 6 | |
| Jewelry / Jewelry Organizer / Keychains | 2 | |
| Lactation Aid | 3 | |
| Cadmium and cadmium compounds | Food | 2 |
| Cadmium, Lead | Food | 9 |
| Cadmium, Lead and lead compounds | Food | 2 |
| Supplements | 18 | |
| Carbon monoxide | Fire starter/Lighter | 1 |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 2 | |
| Toys | 1 | |
| Wood Pellets | 1 | |
| Carbon monoxide, soots, tar and mineral oils (coal tar) | Fire starter/Lighter | 4 |
| Coconut oil diethanolamine condensate (cocamide diethanolamine) | Anti-aging cream / Sunscreen / Curl Enhancer / Hand Cleaner | 1 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) | Adapters / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords / Flashlights / HDMI Cables / Wires Strippers | 9 |
| Air Compressor | 1 | |
| Apparel / Jacket / Belts / Pillow / Apron | 9 | |
| Armbands / Ankle bands / Hand band | 3 | |
| Backpack / Bags and Accessories | 102 | |
| Badge Holders / Card Holders | 3 | |
| Bath Mat / Activity Mats / Cutting Mat /Place Mats / Trapper Mat / Box Mat / Sink Mat | 9 | |
| Battery Clamp Handles / Bin Handles / Camera Recorder / Shower Bag / Coiling Vest / Cord Holder / Phone Holder | 3 | |
| Cloth / Pants / Cap / Hat / Eyewear Pouches / Sleeves | 8 | |
| Cosmetic Case / Cosmetic Tote / Cosmetic Set / Brow or Lashes Set / Eyelash Curler / Shampoo / Shaving Cream / Body Lotion / Body Cleanser | 24 | |
| Coverings (includes Greenhouse, Table, Pillow etc.) | 28 | |
| Curtain / Curtain Liner / Shelf liner | 1 | |
| Decorations | 1 | |
| Dog Collar / Pet Toys / Pet Stroller / Pet Carrier / Pet Bowls / Pet bedding | 1 | |
| Earmuff | 2 | |
| Emergency Kit | 3 | |
| Essential Oil | 1 | |
| Eyewear / Sunglasses / Reading Glasses / Safety Glasses | 9 | |
| Fire starter/Lighter | 2 | |
| Fishing Lures / Fishing Rod Holder | 2 | |
| Fitness Balls / Fitness Foam Rollers / Dumbbells / Jumping Rope / Sports Reflective Material | 12 | |
| Flag | 1 | |
| Food Contact Material | 7 | |
| Furniture | 6 | |
| Hair Accessories / Gloves | 8 | |
| Headphone Cords | 1 | |
| Headphones | 12 | |
| Hoses / Electrical Components and Accessories / Flashlights / Hand Tools / Household Hardware Accessories / Tape Measures | 4 | |
| Jewelry / Jewelry Organizer / Keychains | 3 | |
| Lighting / Sockets | 6 | |
| Luggage Tag / Luggage Locks / Passport Holder | 3 | |
| Mask | 2 | |
| Massage / Spa material | 3 | |
| Paint Sets | 1 | |
| Phone Cases | 1 | |
| Power Bank / USB Cords / Remote Control / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords | 8 | |
| PVC- Coated Polyester | 1 | |
| Rain Boots / Rains Coats / Rain Gauges / Umbrella | 10 | |
| Shoes / Flip Flops / Sandals / Plastic Flats / Insole | 12 | |
| Shower Curtain / Shower Stuffits | 2 | |
| Soap Holders / Tissue Holders | 4 | |
| Stationary / Stickers / Non-slip Sticker | 9 | |
| Storage Hooks / Organizer / Boxes / Bin Handles / Suction Hooks / Suction Cups / Bucket | 19 | |
| Tape | 3 | |
| Tape Measure | 1 | |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 68 | |
| Toys | 6 | |
| Traffic Cone | 1 | |
| Travel Set / Luggage Tag / Packaging | 9 | |
| Wallet | 8 | |
| Watch Bands | 2 | |
| Wheel Covers | 2 | |
| Zipper Pulls | 1 | |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Apparel / Jacket / Belts / Pillow / Apron | 2 |
| Backpack / Bags and Accessories | 7 | |
| Cloth / Pants / Cap / Hat / Eyewear Pouches / Sleeves | 1 | |
| Cosmetic Case / Cosmetic Tote / Cosmetic Set / Brow or Lashes Set / Eyelash Curler / Shampoo / Shaving Cream / Body Lotion / Body Cleanser | 1 | |
| Curtain / Curtain Liner / Shelf liner | 1 | |
| Eyewear / Sunglasses / Reading Glasses / Safety Glasses | 1 | |
| Fitness Balls / Fitness Foam Rollers / Dumbbells / Jumping Rope / Sports Reflective Material | 1 | |
| Food Contact Material | 2 | |
| Headphones | 2 | |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 1 | |
| Wand massager | 1 | |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) | Backpack / Bags and Accessories | 1 |
| Bath Stool | 1 | |
| Shoes / Flip Flops / Sandals / Plastic Flats / Insole | 6 | |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 1 | |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Shoes / Flip Flops / Sandals / Plastic Flats / Insole | 1 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), Lead | Tape Measure | 1 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Lead | Power Bank / USB Cords / Remote Control / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords | 1 |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 1 | |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Cosmetic Case / Cosmetic Tote / Cosmetic Set / Brow or Lashes Set / Eyelash Curler / Shampoo / Shaving Cream / Body Lotion / Body Cleanser | 2 |
| Diethanolamine | Body Lotion / Shaving Cream / Hair Gel / Sunscreen | 1 |
| Cosmetic Case / Cosmetic Tote / Cosmetic Set / Brow or Lashes Set / Eyelash Curler / Shampoo / Shaving Cream / Body Lotion / Body Cleanser | 6 | |
| Anti-aging cream / Sunscreen / Curl Enhancer / Hand Cleaner | 2 | |
| Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Fishing Lures / Fishing Rod Holder | 2 |
| Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Adapters / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords / Flashlights / HDMI Cables / Wires Strippers | 9 |
| Apparel / Jacket / Belts / Pillow / Apron | 1 | |
| Armbands / Ankle bands / Hand band | 1 | |
| Backpack / Bags and Accessories | 31 | |
| Badge Holders / Card Holders | 1 | |
| Card Holders | 1 | |
| Cloth / Pants / Cap / Hat / Eyewear Pouches / Sleeves | 5 | |
| Cosmetic Case / Cosmetic Tote / Cosmetic Set / Brow or Lashes Set / Eyelash Curler / Shampoo / Shaving Cream / Body Lotion / Body Cleanser | 3 | |
| Coverings (includes Greenhouse, Table, Pillow etc.) | 3 | |
| Emergency Kit | 1 | |
| Fishing Lures / Fishing Rod Holder | 1 | |
| Fitness Balls / Fitness Foam Rollers / Dumbbells / Jumping Rope / Sports Reflective | 2 | |
| Food Contact Material | 2 | |
| Furniture | 2 | |
| Glue Gun / Hammers / Hangers / Hooks | 1 | |
| Grip Liner | 1 | |
| Hair Accessories / Gloves | 2 | |
| Headphones | 3 | |
| Hoses / Electrical Components and Accessories / Flashlights / Hand Tools / Household Hardware Accessories / Tape Measures | 3 | |
| Lighting / Sockets | 1 | |
| Luggage Tag / Luggage Locks / Passport Holder | 2 | |
| Power Bank / USB Cords / Remote Control / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords | 1 | |
| Rain Boots / Rains Coats / Rain Gauges / Umbrella | 1 | |
| Shampoo / Body Lotion / Body Cleanser | 1 | |
| Shoes / Flip Flops / Sandals / Plastic Flats / Insole | 2 | |
| Shower Curtain / Shower Stuffits | 2 | |
| Sleeves | 1 | |
| Stationary / Stickers / Non-slip Sticker | 1 | |
| Storage Hooks / Organizer / Boxes / Bin Handles / Suction Hooks / Suction Cups / Bucket | 2 | |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 12 | |
| Toys | 2 | |
| Traffic Cone | 1 | |
| Travel Set / Luggage Tag / Packaging | 1 | |
| Wallet | 1 | |
| Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) | Fitness Balls / Fitness Foam Rollers / Dumbbells / Jumping Rope / Sports Reflective Material | 2 |
| Hoses / Electrical Components and Accessories / Flashlights / Hand Tools / Household Hardware Accessories / Tape Measures | 1 | |
| Lighting / Sockets | 1 | |
| Massage/Spa material | 2 | |
| Shoes / Flip Flops / Sandals / Plastic Flats / Insole | 16 | |
| Tape Measure | 1 | |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 5 | |
| Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), Lead | Shoes / Flip Flops / Sandals / Plastic Flats / Insole | 2 |
| Furfuryl Alcohol | Food | 1 |
| Lead | Adapters / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords / Flashlights / HDMI Cables / Wire Strippers | 3 |
| Apparel / Jacket / Belts / Pillow / Apron | 3 | |
| Backpack / Bags and Accessories | 2 | |
| Cloth / Pants / Cap / Hat / Eyewear Pouches / Sleeves | 1 | |
| Eyewear / Sunglasses / Reading Glasses / Safety Glasses | 1 | |
| Faucets / Faucet Locks / Hose ends / Spray Hose / Sprinklers | 1 | |
| Food | 18 | |
| Food Contact Material | 10 | |
| Hoses / Electrical Components and Accessories / Flashlights / Hand Tools / Household Hardware Accessories / Tape Measure | 1 | |
| Locks / Luggage Locks | 1 | |
| Power Bank / USB Cords / Remote Control / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords | 2 | |
| Supplements | 2 | |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 21 | |
| Wheel | 1 | |
| Lead and lead compounds | Adapters / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords / Flashlights / HDMI Cables / Wire Strippers | 1 |
| Backpack / Bags and accessories | 2 | |
| Finials | 1 | |
| Food | 18 | |
| Food Contact Material | 4 | |
| Glue Gun / Hammers / Hangers / Hooks | 1 | |
| Lactation Aid | 2 | |
| Stationary / Stickers / Non-slip Sticker | 1 | |
| Supplements | 49 | |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 9 | |
| Wand Massager | 1 | |
| Marijuana smoke | Marijuana | 4 |
| Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 1 | |
| Nitrous oxide | Charge Cord / Car Charger | 2 |
| Polychlorinated biphenyls | External Feminine Hygiene Products | 3 |
| Tissue | 6 | |
| Styrene | Plastics Processing | 2 |
| Wood dust | Dog Collar / Pet Toys / Pet Stroller / Pet Carrier / Pet Bowls / Pet bedding | 5 |
| Pet Toys / Pet Stroller / Pet Carrier / Pet Bowls | 1 | |
| Wood Pellets | 5 |
On December 06, 2018, the Government of Ontario approve a notice of decision to revoke the Upholstered and Stuffed Articles Regulation (O. Reg. 218/01).
Starting July 01, 2019, upholstered and stuffed articles imported to the Province of Ontario will no longer require prior registration with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). The corresponding regulation, oversight and enforcement of requirements will be eliminated. The US regulation will be applied from now until the date of enforcement, and TSSA will continue its enforcement role of the regulation until July 1, 2019.
It is important to note that this revocation is intended for Ontario only. Upholstered and stuffed articles destined for sale in Quebec or Manitoba are still required to fulfill the necessary labeling requirements in the provinces. Additionally, upholstered and stuffed articles are subject to Federal requirements under the Canada Consumer Products Safety Act and Textile Labeling Act.
On November 22, 2018, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published a new version of EN 1022 merging the test method of work office seating with all other seating into a single standard. The new standard supersedes EN 1022:2005 and EN 1335-3.
This updated standard is specifically for domestic furniture. The new version of EN 1022 now covers all types of seating and incorporates the test method for office swivel chairs and outdoor seating, which were previously covered by individual standards. A summary of the major modifications of the standard are as follows:
Introduced a new definition for specific types of work seats, like a swiveling chair
Introduced the definition of a raised edge side to clarify the design for work seats
Updated the loading point and back loading point for swiveling chairs
New testing position for the forward stability test for rigid seats with a large radius
Added a corner stability test for seats other than office chairs
Clarified the definition of a leg rest and footrest
Included rocking chairs for the rearward stability test
Europe News
On December 17, 2018, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2018/2005 to update the Phthalate restrictions in entry 51 to Annex XVII of the REACH regulation.
DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP are widely used as plasticizers in consumer products, including the artificial leather in belts and the synthetic component of footwear. Under the new restriction, the number of restricted phthalates increases from three (DEHP, DBP and BBP) to four (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP). The scope of the restriction is expanded from plasticized materials in toys and childcare articles to plasticized materials in articles except the following product categories:
Articles for industrial or agricultural use under certain conditions
Motor vehicles under Directive 2007/46/EC and aircraft placed on the market before January 7, 2024
Articles for the maintenance of aircraft and motor vehicles
Articles placed on the market before July 7, 2020
Measuring devices for laboratory use
Food contact materials and articles under Regulations (EC) 1935/2004 or food contact plastics under (EU) 10/2011
Medical devices under Directives 90/385/EEC, 93/42/EEC or 98/79/EC
Electrical and electronic equipment under Directive 2011/65/EU
Immediate packaging of medicinal products
Mentioned phthalates shall not be present in an article individually or in any combination of the phthalates in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1 % by weight.
| Chemical Name | CAS Number | Restriction |
| Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) | 84-74-2 | Shall not be present in an article individually or in any combination of the phthalates in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1 % by weight of the plasticized material. |
| Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) | 85-68-7 | |
| Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) | 117-81-7 | |
| Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) | 84-69-5 | Shall not be placed on the market after July 7, 2020 in toys or childcare articles, individually or in any combination with the first three phthalates in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1 % by weight of the plasticized material. |
The new amendment came into effect on January 7, 2019.
On November 22, 2018, the European Parliament proposed a new measure to improve the circulation of goods across the EU by expanding the application of the mutual recognition principle.
Under the draft regulation, the application of mutual recognition will be implemented in the following ways in order to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, create new business opportunities and widen the choice for consumers among Member States:
Increased legal certainty for businesses and national authorities by clarifying the scope of mutual recognition
Introduced new mutual recognition declarations to demonstrate that the goods in question have already been lawfully marketed in an EU country
Established a problem-solving mechanism to address disputes related to the compatibility of an administrative decision denying or restricting market access
Improved administrative cooperation through Product Contact Points and enhanced the exchange of information via IT platform
Provided financial support for setting up the above mechanisms established under the new rules
Once the EU Parliament and Council approve the draft regulation, new rules will become effective 12 months after the regulation enters into force.
Asia News
On November 16 2018, the Taiwan BSMI issued a draft amendment to the Mandatory Commodity Inspection Rules for Electric Blankets and 63 Other Appliances.
The new amendment intends to exempt several currently regulated electronic products from mandatory commodity inspection and RoHS labelling/declaration requirements. The following are examples of products, which are subject to the changes:
USB port charged products with an input voltage of DC 5V and without the power adapter attached
Products powered by a car cigarette lighter power supply or car power supply
Three-phase voltage or simple battery powered products
Additionally, two new deadlines for certification are proposed.
Before December 31, 2019, certification holders shall renew and submit type approval reports and technical documents for approval or inspection registration. Otherwise, the current registration will be rejected.
Starting from January 1, 2019, the current standards according to Announcement No. 1063000780, 2017 are no longer applicable for certification registration.
The proposed amendment was under public comment until December 5, 2018.
On October 22, 2018, the South Korean Ministry of Environment published a draft amendment to the Notice on Eco-label Products and Standards.
Korea Eco-label helps the consumer to identify products in the market that are environmentally friendly. There are over 160 categories of products eligible to apply for Eco labels, including paper, photocopy machines, printers, paints, wallpapers, and bars of soap.
In the proposed amendment, 4 new product categories are introduced (Swimming equipment, cosmetic containers, clothes dryers and solar panel manufacturers). In addition, the certification criteria for currently existing products in the scope of this regulation are strengthened in order to comply with the latest certification standards.
The proposed amendment was under public comment until November 12, 2018.
On December 06, 2018, the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced a proposal for a list of approved food contact materials (FCMs), including food utensils, containers and packaging.
Food contact utensils, containers and packaging in Japan are currently regulated under the Japan Food Sanitation Act, and there is no restriction on the use of food contact materials unless they are included in the list of prohibited materials.
The new positive system requires FCMs manufacturers to select approved materials from the approved list for production. Synthetic resin, including plastic is subject to regulation under the new rule. After implementation of the new system, manufacturers are expected to provide evidence of compliance to MHLW upon request.
This new system is proposed to enter into force on June 13, 2020.
On December 01, 2018, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of Hong Kong announced a proposed amendment to include the current toy safety standard in the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424).
Below is a summary of proposed toys safety standards intended to be included in the current Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424).
| Product categories | Current standard | Proposed new standard |
| Toy | ISO 8124-1:2014 | ISO 8124-1:2018 |
| ISO 8124-4:2014 | ISO 8124-4:2014/ Amd.1:2017 | |
| BS EN 71-3:2013+A1:2014 | BS EN 71-3+A3:2018 | |
| BS EN 71-7:2014 | BS EN 71-7:2014+A2:2018 | |
| BS EN 71-3:2013+A1:2014 | BS EN 71-3+A3:2018 | |
| BS EN 71-14:2014 | BS EN 71-14:2014+A1:2017 | |
| Child safety barriers for domestic use | ASTM F1004-16b | ASTM F1004-18 |
| Children’s cots for domestic use | BS EN 716-1:2008+A1:2013 | BS EN 716-1:2017 |
| BS EN 716-2:2008+A1:2013 | BS EN 716-2:2017 | |
| Children’s high chairs and multi-purpose high chairs for domestic use | ASTM F404-17 | ASTM F404-18 |
| BS EN 14988-1:2006 +A1:2012 and BS EN 14988-2:2006 +A1:2012 | BS EN 14988:20 | |
| Children’s paints | BS EN 71-3:2013+A1:2014 | BS EN 71-3:2013+A3:2018 |
| Playpens for domestic use | ASTM F406-15 | ASTM F406-17 |
The proposed amendment was under public comment until December 31, 2018.
In China, thousands of consumer products will be inspected and reported when hazards and non-compliance to applicable standards are identified among the products. The market surveillance will be performed on a Province basis, which is updated in a non-regular time frame. The China Market Surveillance from March 2018 to November 2018 is summarized below:
| Categories | Frequency |
| Food Contact Material | 35 |
| Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 32 |
| Toys and Childcare Articles | 22 |
| Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 21 |
| Furniture | 14 |
| Footwear | 12 |
| Others* | 31 |
*Other Categories include Children's Product, Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories, Cosmetics / Bodycare, Eyeware, Homeware (Non-food Contact), Jewelry, Watch or other Fashion Accessories, Lighting Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (excluding eye protection), Stationary, Sporting Goods / Equipment and Tools with a frequency of less than 10.
| Row Labels | Sum of Pass Amount | Sum of Fail Amount |
| Beijing | 465 | 20 |
| Guangdong | 2464 | 18 |
| Guizhou | 225 | 0 |
| Jiangsu | 1280 | 193 |
| Qinghai | 106 | 20 |
| Shandong | 213 | 0 |
| Shanghai | 2043 | 227 |
| Shanxi | 516 | 13 |
Market Surveillance Summary - China (Last Update Date: November 30, 2018)
| Province | Product Categories | Total Inspected Amount | Failure Percentage | Pass Amount | Fail Amount |
| Beijing | Sporting Goods / Equipment | 2 | 0% | 2 | 0 |
| Beijing | Footwear | 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 |
| Beijing | Furniture | 6 | 0% | 6 | 0 |
| Beijing | Furniture | 5 | 0% | 5 | 0 |
| Beijing | Furniture | 80 | 4% | 77 | 3 |
| Beijing | Furniture | 50 | 0% | 50 | 0 |
| Beijing | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 16 | 13% | 14 | 2 |
| Beijing | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 82 | 1% | 81 | 1 |
| Beijing | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 11 | 0% | 11 | 0 |
| Beijing | Homeware (Non-food Contact) | 38 | 0% | 38 | 0 |
| Beijing | Toys and Childcare Articles | 5 | 0% | 5 | 0 |
| Beijing | Eyewear | 7 | 0% | 7 | 0 |
| Beijing | Toys and Childcare Articles | 4 | 0% | 4 | 0 |
| Beijing | Eyewear | 5 | 0^ | 5 | 0 |
| Beijing | Homeware (Non-food Contact) | 32 | 0% | 32 | 0 |
| Beijing | Furniture | 7 | 14% | 6 | 1 |
| Beijing | Furniture | 15 | 7% | 14 | 1 |
| Beijing | Furniture | 25 | 8% | 23 | 2 |
| Beijing | Furniture | 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 |
| Beijing | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 16 | 6% | 15 | 1 |
| Beijing | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 65 | 12% | 57 | 8 |
| Beijing | Homeware (Non-food Contact) | 12 | 0% | 12 | 0 |
| Shanxi | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 10 | 0% | 10 | 0 |
| Shanxi | Footwear | 10 | 0% | 10 | 0 |
| Shanxi | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 90 | 0% | 90 | 0 |
| Shanxi | Food Contact Material | 55 | 0% | 55 | 0 |
| Shanxi | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 25 | 0% | 25 | 0 |
| Shanxi | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 69 | 1% | 68 | 1 |
| Shanxi | Footwear | 60 | 2% | 59 | 1 |
| Shanxi | Eyewear | 100 | 4% | 96 | 4 |
| Shanxi | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 37 | 8% | 34 | 3 |
| Shanxi | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 20 | 5% | 19 | 1 |
| Shanxi | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 25 | 12% | 22 | 3 |
| Shanxi | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 30 | 0% | 28 | 0 |
| Jiangsu | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 97 | 8% | 91 | 8 |
| Jiangsu | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 130 | 12% | 114 | 16 |
| Jiangsu | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 77 | 14% | 66 | 11 |
| Jiangsu | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 85 | 12% | 75 | 10 |
| Jiangsu | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 27 | 7% | 25 | 2 |
| Jiangsu | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 78 | 13% | 68 | 10 |
| Jiangsu | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 15 | 53% | 7 | 8 |
| Jiangsu | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 34 | 9% | 31 | 3 |
| Jiangsu | Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories | 33 | 24% | 25 | 8 |
| Jiangsu | Footwear | 20 | 0% | 20 | 0 |
| Jiangsu | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 21 | 14% | 18 | 3 |
| Jiangsu | Homeware (Non-food Contact) | 23 | 17% | 19 | 4 |
| Jiangsu | Toys and Childcare Articles | 74 | 18% | 61 | 13 |
| Jiangsu | Toys and Childcare Articles | 96 | 8% | 88 | 8 |
| Jiangsu | Toys and Childcare Articles | 179 | 18% | 147 | 32 |
| Jiangsu | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 118 | 5% | 112 | 6 |
| Jiangsu | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 77 | 10% | 69 | 8 |
| Jiangsu | Footwear | 83 | 16% | 70 | 13 |
| Jiangsu | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 34 | 6% | 32 | 2 |
| Jiangsu | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 26 | 8% | 24 | 2 |
| Jiangsu | Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories | 48 | 31% | 33 | 15 |
| Jiangsu | Food Contact Material | 46 | 24% | 35 | 11 |
| Jiangsu | Food Contact Material | 50 | 0% | 50 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 61 | 8% | 56 | 5 |
| Shanghai | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 20 | 10% | 18 | 2 |
| Shanghai | Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories | 15 | 7% | 14 | 1 |
| Shanghai | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 50 | 18% | 41 | 9 |
| Shanghai | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 30 | 30% | 21 | 9 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 20 | 30% | 14 | 6 |
| Shanghai | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 12 | 17% | 10 | 2 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 40 | 3% | 39 | 1 |
| Shanghai | Sporting Goods / Equipment | 16 | 13% | 14 | 2 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 50 | 2% | 49 | 1 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 30 | 0% | 30 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 30 | 0% | 30 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 40 | 0% | 40 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 25 | 0% | 25 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 25 | 0% | 25 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 20 | 0% | 20 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 30 | 0% | 30 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 30 | 0% | 30 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 20 | 0% | 20 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 11 | 0% | 11 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 101 | 0% | 101 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Sporting Goods / Equipment | 30 | 27% | 22 | 8 |
| Shanghai | Cosmetics / Bodycare | 56 | 20% | 45 | 11 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 25 | 0% | 25 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 20 | 0% | 20 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 90 | 18% | 74 | 16 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 58 | 16% | 49 | 9 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 20 | 0% | 20 | 0 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 25 | 44% | 14 | 11 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 25 | 28% | 18 | 7 |
| Shanghai | Toys and Childcare Articles | 20 | 40% | 12 | 8 |
| Shanghai | Footwear | 40 | 30% | 28 | 12 |
| Shanghai | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 26 | 8% | 24 | 2 |
| Shanghai | Home Electrical Appliances (Hair Dryer, Iron, etc.) | 25 | 8% | 23 | 2 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 30 | 7% | 28 | 2 |
| Shanghai | Food Contact Material | 23 | 0% | 23 | 0 |
Australia/New Zealand News
On June 29 2018, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand jointly published a new version of the safety standard for electric toys, AS/NZS 62115:2018.
The new version of the standard is intended to supersede the current version of AS/NZS 62115:2011. A summary of the changes is listed below:
Reaffirmed the general conditions for tests
Modified the criteria for reduced testing
Introduced warnings for toys using button cell or coin batteries and ride-on toys
Updated the requirements concerning accessibility of batteries
Added requirements to cover toys placed above a child and connected to other equipment
Incorporated optical radiation sources (Annex E) and using the technical LED data sheet for checking compliance with the specified accessible emission limits (AEL)
Updated measurements of the optical radiation from the toy (Annex E)
Introduced a new Annex regarding measurement methods for toys with an integrated field source generating electromagnetic fields (EMF)
Included a normative Annex J concerning the safety of remote controls for electric ride-on toys
The current version of the electronic toy safety standard will be superseded by AS/NZS 62115:2018.
The new version of the standard will come into force on June 29, 2021.
SASO News
On December 05, 2018, SASO held a workshop to brief importers, Certification Bodies and laboratories about the new EER standard, SASO 2902 Energy Efficiency, Functionality and Labelling Requirement for Lighting Products Part 2. SASO 2902 will be enforced starting April 01, 2019. Apart from that, IECEE requirements will have to be fulfilled as well starting February 01, 2019.
The workshop was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at SASO Headquarters, and the timeline for implementation was provided during the workshop. SASO 2902 will be implemented on January 01, 2019 and shall be enforced on April 01, 2019. At the same time, an IECEE certificate will be required as well for lighting products starting February 01, 2019.
| Date | Event |
| January 01, 2019 | Implementation of SASO 2902 |
| February 01, 2019 | Enforcement of IECEE certificate on lighting products at customs |
| April 01, 2019 | Enforcement of SASO 2902 on local factories and at customs |
| October 01, 2019 | Enforcement of SASO 2902 on markets, retailers and warehouses |
Please refer to last month regulatory recap for details of the New EER Standard (See test)
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